Tach Lack Leaves Driver Worried

April 20, 2002|By Duncan Haimerl

Q: How come the DX (low-end models) with manual transmissions do not come with a tachometer? I am referring to Honda and Mazda; I haven't looked at any others.

I tell the salesperson the manual states that if the [tachometer] needle is in the red zone you are in the wrong gear but I don't have a tachometer. When I ask what other diagnostic tools are available (other than the engine dying), they don't have an answer.

Also, do you have information where I can contact the manufacturers? The websites are not helpful.

K.T., ROCKY HILL

A: Basically, you answered your first question about why low-end models do not have a tachometer. It's because, being low-end, they don't get all the bells and whistles.

As for other diagnostic tools that tell you that your car is in the wrong gear, the high-pitched engine scream is a good one.

You can also use the speedometer to roughly gauge which gear to be in. Generally, switch to second gear when the speedometer reads 20 miles an hour, third gear at 30, fourth gear at 40 and fifth gear at 50.

Look in a business and corporation directory at the library to get automaker addresses.

Q: Recently at 23,000 miles, the ``check engine soon'' light came on in our 2000 Nissan Maxima. The dealer stated that the car needed an oxygen sensor (warranty) and a throttle body cleaning ($49) and an air filter (the third one for this car!).

I have never heard of throttle body cleaning, especially one for a car this new. I asked the service adviser about the air cleaner filter and he told me that, sometimes, he replaces them every 8,000 miles.

On a completely maintained car with plenty of highway miles, could these two things really be needed?

G.E.S., MIDDLETOWN

A: Without seeing the air filter or oxygen sensor myself, there's no way to tell, although changing an air filter three times in 23,000 miles does seem excessive. Even the oxygen sensor is a tough old bird and shouldn't need replacing.

Coincidentally, my car of the week, a Nissan Xterra, was brought into a dealer with a ``check engine soon'' light on before it got to me.

The reason: The gasoline cap had not been tightened

TIP OF THE WEE Taking your sport utility off-road? After the trek is done, check the tire sidewalls (both sides) for damage from rocks or fallen tree limbs.

Duncan Haimerl is a Courant staff writer who covers the auto industry. Address your questions of general interest to Auto Answers, The Hartford Courant, 285 Broad St., Hartford, CT 06115 or send e-mail to haimerl@courant.com. Please include your full name and address. Letters and e-mail will be responded to in this column only.